Over the last year, a whole host of trends have come in and out of fashion, with bathrooms being one of the most active rooms in the house in terms of design trends. According to surveys, transitional styles (a fusion between classic and modern design), an increase in wood vanities, and prioritising sustainability were some of the most popular bathroom design choices over the last 12 months.
However, what we want to know, is what might be the next styles that take over as we move forwards throughout the year? Sanctuary Bathrooms, a leading bathroom retailer, has put together a team of experts who have devised a list of what they believe to be the design choices taking the bathroom world by storm.
Hotel & Spa styles
A trend that has been picking up some serious steam over the past year, many experts believe that hotel and spa style bathrooms will carry on with their climb in popularity throughout the year. Characterised by natural, modest colours and a minimalist design, this trend likely began to pick up steam as the covid-19 pandemic retracted, and homeowners were once again able to travel and enjoy luxurious stays around the country.
These experiences have lead to many of us across the UK looking to replicate the stylish vibe that can often be found in Hotel bathrooms, with touches of marble and simple but effective features such as free standing baths.
Coloured Ceramics
Not isolated to bathroom designs, the use of colour has been gaining momentum over the recent years as homeowners look for more ways to make their spaces individual and unique. Whilst certain colours have risen and fallen in popularity over this time, the underlying trend of thinking outside the box with our colours is still going strong.
Jamie Paradise, Villeroy & Boch’s Retail Sales Manager, states: “The huge past trend of colour ceramic is certainly seeing a resurgence from 30 plus years ago. I would expect this to develop a major second wind in 2024.”
And Sanctuary’s Nick Hanson agrees, advising: “One of the biggest trends from this year was the further growth of colour sanitaryware.” Although this isn’t seen as a case for larger bathrooms where people tend to be more risk averse, this is something he says is being seen more in cloakrooms and smaller bathrooms: “As more people turn to more individualised and personal cloakrooms, new colours are coming to the fore because people are braver. This includes greens and blues, and we have seen some of these selling really well.”
Fluted and Curved Details
A more slow burning trend than the recent additions to the list, Fluted designs feature a ridged appearance, that can be used to add style to showers and even furniture such as vanity units.
Claire Faulkner, from Your Build & Interior Club, says: “Popular trends we have seen are fluted & curved details such a fluted shower screens & curved sinks which both add a much needed softness to bathrooms which can otherwise be quite harsh & clinical spaces.”
And Bathroom Brands’ Design Team, which includes brands such as Crosswater and Burlington amongst others says this is gathering momentum into other products areas too: “Fluting in wooden forms is continuing to be a strong trend for the past couple of years. We’re still seeing usage in furniture products but now the trend is widening to this form of texture in other metal products in the bathroom, this includes accessories and brassware.”
Walk in showers and wetrooms vs baths
Every year, one of the most popular battles in the world of bathroom design is what will prove the more popular design choice, showers or baths? Over the last few years, showers have been seen to be taking the lead over the traditional baths, a choice that experts believe may continue for some time.
At VADO, they have also seen an effect on showering as an experience. Their Product and Marketing Director, Angela Neve, says: “we are seeing a movement in customers wanting to elevate the showering experience, “ citing that with technology “it’s easier than ever to achieve the same spa-like, sensory experience, whilst reducing water consumption.”
